Refreshing lemon pudding

Chilled lemon pudding – a dessert that brings a touch of freshness and a vibrant taste, perfect for warm days or any special occasion. This simple and delicious recipe is ideal for those who want to bring a splash of indulgence to the table without intimidating less experienced cooks.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150-200 g powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons orange zest (optional)
- 100 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 50 g sifted flour
- 250 ml milk

Preparation of Chilled Lemon Pudding:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and butter. This helps with better emulsification and achieving a smooth texture. You can also use lime instead of lemon for an even more intense flavor.

2. Beat the butter with the sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine the ingredients until a fluffy cream forms. This step is essential for incorporating air into the mixture, which will help achieve a light texture.

3. Add the lemon zest: Fold in the lemon zest and, if desired, the orange zest. The citrus aroma will enhance the flavor of the pudding and give it a fresh note.

4. Incorporate the lemon juice: Gradually add the lemon juice while continuing to mix. This step will add acidity and balance the sweetness of the sugar.

5. Add the egg yolks and flour: Incorporate the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, sift the flour and gently fold it in using a spatula to avoid lumps.

6. Add the milk: Start adding the milk gradually, mixing continuously. You will achieve a fluid but homogeneous composition, which is the base of the pudding.

7. Beat the egg whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will add volume and aeration to the dessert.

8. Fold in the egg whites: Carefully add the beaten egg whites into the lemon mixture, gently folding with a spatula in a motion that preserves the air in the egg whites, making the pudding light and fluffy.

9. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a heatproof dish with butter. Then, place it in a larger dish that will be filled with hot water (bain-marie). This process helps with even baking and keeps the dessert moist.

10. Bake the pudding: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the pudding dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden and the center remains soft but not liquid.

11. Cooling and serving: Once the pudding is ready, let it cool in the water bath for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely. It is recommended to serve it chilled, and it’s best to leave it in the fridge overnight. This waiting time will allow the flavors to develop and the texture to improve.

Serving Suggestions:
The pudding can be served plain or with a berry sauce, which will add a pleasant contrast of acidity and sweetness. A dollop of cream or whipped cream can turn the dessert into a true indulgence!

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I replace sugar with a natural sweetener? Yes, you can use natural sweeteners, but make sure to follow the appropriate usage instructions.
- How can I prevent the pudding from cracking? Ensure not to overbake and maintain a consistent oven temperature.
- Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! You can try adding vanilla extract or a splash of rum for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Benefits:
Lemon pudding is a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system. It is also a relatively light dessert, with a moderate calorie content considering the ingredients used. A serving contains approximately 210 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used.

Possible Variations:
To diversify the recipe, you can replace lemon with other citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, or even tangerines. Each variation will bring a new level of complexity and flavor to your dessert.

Personal Note:
This chilled lemon pudding recipe reminds me of warm summer days when family gathers around the table to enjoy a light and refreshing dessert. I encourage you to share this dessert with loved ones and create pleasant memories around the table. Cooking is about bringing people together, and this pudding will surely be a winning choice!

Try this simple recipe, and I assure you will create a delicious dessert that will impress everyone who tastes it. Enjoy!